handrail baluster install


  #1  
Old 11-22-19, 09:46 AM
S
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 134
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
handrail baluster install

Hi, I have stairs from main to basement. there is an existing hand rail, but no baluster .

It looks like to me that when they installed the rail, there was no intention of installing baluster. but now to satisfy code/safety for kids, I was think to install baluster.


I need your advise to see how can I install baluster in this hand rail, any work around/idea, or do I need full new handrail...

see pics of what I got now. ( on my mobile, it does not show me the menu --clip) to update the pics

Name:  baluster.jpg
Views: 199
Size:  16.8 KB
 

Last edited by PJmax; 11-22-19 at 10:29 AM. Reason: imported picture from link
  #2  
Old 11-22-19, 10:23 AM
XSleeper's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 27,061
Received 1,910 Upvotes on 1,716 Posts
The easiest thing to do would be to get some wood balusters that are square on top and bottom then cut the correct angle and length then pin them on with a finish gun.

If you want you could add a fillet (small spacer block) to keep the spacing correct and tack that on top and bottom as you go... since the bottom of your handrail probably isn't plowed.
 
  #3  
Old 11-22-19, 10:45 AM
P
Group Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NC, USA
Posts: 27,657
Received 2,153 Upvotes on 1,928 Posts
It is not required that you use open balusters. You can also use a solid sheet material; plywood, plexiglass... It would be easier to install but you'd have to be OK with the look since it's a less common way to comply with code and safety.
 
  #4  
Old 11-22-19, 11:57 AM
S
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 134
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
Thank you for your reply.

I mostly go for baluster over plywood.

but do i have to get "official" blusters from Homedepot or there are other materials/options?
 
  #5  
Old 11-22-19, 12:40 PM
XSleeper's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 27,061
Received 1,910 Upvotes on 1,716 Posts
You could use anything you want. 2x2, 2x4, closet rod, whatever. The main thing is that no 4" sphere should be able to pass through any gap. That's the code.
 
  #6  
Old 12-27-19, 10:05 AM
S
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 134
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
Thank you all for your help, here is what I ended up doing.
 
Attached Images  
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description: